Bill strengthening right to bear arms passes Senate committee

by Honora Gathings

MONTGOMERY - AL —

A gun rights bill aimed at giving Alabama the ability to void any federal action that infringes on the Second Amendment passed the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee. It's one of several gun bills heading to the Senate.

The bill is sponsored by Republican Senator Paul Sanford of Huntsville. It states, ""all federal acts, laws, orders, rules, or regulations in violation of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution are contrary to the true meaning and intent of the Constitution as given by its authors and ratifiers and are invalid in this state, shall not be recognized by this state, are specifically rejected by this state, and shall be considered null and void and of no effect in this state."

Sanford says the bill will ensure Alabamians have the right to bear arms and will supercede anything the federal government might pass to take away that right.

"If the federal government won't protect our right to keep and bear arms, we must be prepared to do so at the state level," said Sanford.

This bill is now headed to the Senate. The senators are expected to debate gun legislation Thursday.